Crushing on Chenin – Our Top South African Chenin Blanc Wines

A good bottle of Chenin Blanc doesn’t shout; it doesn’t show off, but when grown with care and made with intent, it says everything. Once seen as a workhorse varietal, Chenin has steadily claimed its rightful place as one of South Africa’s signature grapes, thanks to old vines, diverse terroirs and the boundary-pushing brilliance of local winemakers.

To celebrate this enchanting varietal, we’ve handpicked some standout Chenin Blanc wines from boutique and family-run estates across the country – from the granite soils of the Swartland to the sunlit valleys of Stellenbosch. These wines are layered, honest and regionally distinct, proving why South African Chenin Blanc continues to exude charm.

Kleine Zalze – Chenin Blanc Barrel Fermented 2024

Situated just outside Stellenbosch in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Kleine Zalze is one of South Africa’s leading wine producers. Cellarmaster RJ Botha pours precision and passion into every bottle, crafting refreshing, refined and beautifully balanced wines that mirror the finesse of the estate’s culinary offering. By combining traditional methods with minimal cellar intervention, their winemakers push the boundaries of style and quality, earning the estate local and international awards.

The wines range from high-end Family Reserve wines to Cellar Selection wines, perfect for everyday consumption, to Vineyards Selection wines made from carefully selected parcels of grapes, including this Chenin Blanc from their Vineyard Selection. Masterfully oaked, the texture is creamy with a lively, crisp finish. Flavours of melon, white peach and almond blossom, and a hint of minerality enhance its elegance. With careful cellaring, this divine Chenin Blanc should age gracefully over the next decade, or it can be enjoyed now.

Winemaker’s Note: “We used extended skin contact to draw out the full character of the Chenin and ensure a well-structured wine, with only a small portion whole-bunch pressed.”
Grapes & Region: Made from grapes from selected ‘Heritage Certified’ Stellenbosch bush vines, all planted more than 35 years ago in decomposed granite soils.
Perfect Pairing: The crisp finish and almond blossom notes of this wine make it a great match for a delicious Salmon & Spinach Poké Bowl.
Vibe & Occasion: A special wine for special occasions.
Something Unique: No new barrels were used, allowing the essence and purity of the Heritage Certified fruit to take centre stage.
Serving Tip: Serve chilled.
RSP: R163.00 (1 x 750 ml; 13.5% ABV) | SHOP HERE

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Paulus Wine Co – Bosberaad 2024

For winemaking duo Paul and Pauline from Paulus Wine Co, wine is about more than just a good glass – it’s about the land that shaped it and the hands that brought it to life. Paul, formerly of Sadie Family Wines, and Pauline, with experience at renowned estates like Domaine Drouhin and Mullineux, bring a wealth of global winemaking expertise to their venture. Their commitment to organic viticulture and low-intervention techniques reflects their philosophy of crafting Chenin Blanc wines that authentically express their terroir.

Bosberaad, the duo’s premier wine, which translates to ‘bush meeting’, embodies their winemaking approach. The grapes come from organically farmed bush vines planted in 1980 on decomposed granite soils in the Siebritskloof Valley – a spot known for its balance of sun and shade. The wine is aged on the lees for ten months and then racked and bottled. All this translates into a wine with a delicate acidity. Between that classic aspect of apple and honey known from the Chenins, a citrus character of lime and a floral nose with waxy notes make it a blissful wine.

Winemaker’s Note: Pear and apricot aromas are accompanied by hints of white flower, baked quince and honeycomb. The slight reduction and saltiness elevate the freshness of the wine.
Grapes & Region: Chenin Blanc grapes from Siebritskloof Valley, Paardeberg, Swartland.
Perfect Pairing: This wine is a great partner to baked desserts like this Guava and Quince Crumble with Salted Caramel and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.
Vibe & Occasion: Enjoy with good conversation and great food.
Something Unique: They harvest by hand, press the grapes in whole bunches and ferment the juice in old oak barrels.
Serving Tip: Serve slightly chilled; decanting this wine enhances its aromatic complexity.
RSP: From R350.00 (1 x 750 ml; 13.5% ABV) | SHOP HERE

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Ex Animo Wine Co. – Intellego Chenin Blanc 2022

Intellego wines are hidden in bars and restaurants around the globe. Rooted in intuitive winegrowing and experimentation, these wines excite and intrigue connoisseurs. Winemaker Jurgen Gouws has collaborated with some of South Africa’s most respected viticulturists and currently works with leased vineyard blocks in the Swartland region. He favours a minimal-intervention, natural vinification approach, using only limited sulphur and filtration. The result? Wines that taste like the terroir.

Intellego Chenin Blanc is a quintessential expression of the variety in the Paardeberg region. With flavours of preserved lemon, hay, basil stem and salt on the palate, this unique wine exudes character. It’s finely textured with fruity notes, making it delicious.

Winemaker’s Note: This wine exhibits a lovely, open palate and plenty of fruit weight. Intellego Chenin Blanc 2022 was aged in a single foudre.
Grapes & Region: Made of Chenin Blanc grapes, sourced from dry farm bush vines, grown in granite soil within the Paardeberg, Swartland.
Perfect Pairing: The preserved lemon and basil notes of this wine make it the ideal partner for this incredible Limoncello Mussel Pot.
Vibe & Occasion: Casual dinners or easy entertaining with friends and family.
Something Unique: This wine was aged on the gross lees for 12 months before bottling.
Serving Tip: Serve slightly chilled.
RSP: R245.00 (1 x 750 ml; 13% ABV) | SHOP HERE

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Eight Gates Wine – Chenin Blanc 2023

Eight Gates Wine is a venture shaped by craftsmanship and authenticity. Founded by longtime friends and wine enthusiasts Carlo Suter and Kolja Stürmer, the estate specialises in small-scale wine production. Each wine is made with minimal intervention and plenty of care. The focus is on producing expressive, handcrafted wines that reflect their commitment to sustainability and tradition.

The 2023 Chenin Blanc is a standout example of this approach – elegant, quietly complex and full of character. Sourced from a small two-hectare vineyard in Tulbagh, this limited-edition release (just 1,000 bottles) was naturally fermented using indigenous yeasts and aged for ten months. This beautifully balanced wine weaves ripe fruit notes with a fine minerality. It’s textured yet fresh, restrained yet expressive.

Winemaker’s Note: ‘This wine is more than a beverage; it’s an invitation to pause and celebrate life’s meaningful moments.’
Grapes & Region: This wine comes from a small 2-hectare South-East facing vineyard planted in the early 1980s on stony ground at the foot of the Saronsberg outside Tulbagh.
Perfect Pairing: A great partner to fruit desserts and fragrant dishes, this wine pairs perfectly with this Lemon Labneh with Roasted Tomatoes, Pine Nuts & Toasted Pita.
Vibe & Occasion: Intimate dining occasions with flowing conversation.
Something Unique: Gently whole-bunch pressed, the juice settled overnight before being transferred to Mittelberger cooperage barrels for primary fermentation by indigenous yeast.
Serving Tip: Serve chilled.
RSP: From R399.00 (1 x 750 ml; 12.82% ABV) | SHOP HERE

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Cape Wine Company – Nieuwe Haarlem Chenin Blanc 2024

Founded in 2010 by winemaker and entrepreneur Erlank Erasmus, Cape Wine Company is a family-run estate rooted in the heart of the Cape Winelands. With a decade of experience at Fairview and vintages completed in Napa and St. Emilion, Erlank brings a unique perspective to his grounded, terroir-driven approach. He now runs the farm with his wife, Anna-Mart, where they raise their sons. Together, they’ve built a diverse portfolio, including wines, spirits and non-alcoholic alternatives.

Part of their offering is Nieuwe Haarlem Chenin Blanc 2024 – a wine that captures the balance and character Cape Wine Company is known for. Fresh and finely textured, it opens with ripe pear, quince, yellow apple and pineapple, underpinned by subtle notes of vanilla, almond and spice from gentle oak maturation. The palate is creamy yet lifted, with layers of citrus, lemon curd and soft nuttiness adding depth. The oak is well integrated, offering structure without overpowering the fruit. It finishes long and bright, with a lingering note of citrus peel – elegant, expressive and confidently understated.

Winemaker’s Note: This wine displays a brilliant, pale straw hue. Bursts of juicy pear, apple and peach flavours are complemented by a creamy texture, a result of the oak influence.
Grapes & Region: Made of Chenin Blanc grapes sourced from vineyards in Darling.
Perfect Pairing: This wine’s versatility makes it a great match for seafood dishes, roast chicken or citrus-glazed duck. It elevates Asian-inspired dishes and sweet-and-sour combinations. Enjoy it with these Pork & Pineapple Snack Skewers with Coconut Curry Sauce.
Vibe & Occasion: Savour at family gatherings, braais and leisurely lunches.
Something Unique: Techniques used to make this wine focused on the expression and complexity of the old vines, the terroir and the vintage.
Serving Tip: Serve slightly chilled.
RSP: R165.00 (1 x 750 ml; 13.05% ABV) | SHOP HERE

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Belle Rebelle Estate – Mía Chenin Blanc 2024

Set against the backdrop of the majestic Du Toitskloof mountains in the Breedekloof Valley, Belle Rebelle Estate benefits from some of the oldest soils in the world. This unique combination of terroir and climate allows nuanced, expressive wines to take shape. Winemaker and co-founder Mariëtte Stofberg Coetzee brings a global lens to her craft, shaped by her winemaking experience in South Africa, California and France. Inspired by her grandfather’s passion for wine, she returned to the family farm in 2012 to craft boutique wines. One of the estate’s standout expressions is the Mía Chenin Blanc 2024 – a wine that mirrors her thoughtful approach.

Light and fruit-forward, Mía Chenin Blanc 2024 opens with bright citrus and pineapple aromas, followed by crisp flavours of lime, grapefruit and quince. Zesty and refreshing, the wine’s acidity is well balanced by its clean, primary fruit character. With its pale straw hue and subtle green glint, this wine is as vibrant as it is refreshing.

Winemaker’s Note: “We aimed to make a fresh and primary fruit-driven wine.”
Grapes & Region: Chenin Blanc grapes were sourced from the Breedekloof Valley.
Perfect Pairing: Best enjoyed with fresh, seasonal dishes, from salads with pear or apple to sushi and light seafood pasta, making it a great pairing for this Niçoise Salad with Poached Salmon and Sweet Mustard Dressing.
Vibe & Occasion: This is a wine made for easygoing moments and good company.
Something Unique: The region’s mild climate extends the ripening period, earning it the name ‘Valley of the Slow-Ripening Vines’.
Serving Tip: Serve chilled.
RSP: R95.00 (1 x 750 ml) | SHOP HERE

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Mountain Ridge – Romansrivier Grand Reserve Chenin Blanc 2022

Nestled in the foothills of the Boland Mountains, Mountain Ridge is a Breedekloof gem with roots that stretch back to 1949. Over the past decade, it has evolved into a boutique producer with a reputation for quality. Winemaker Carel Hugo brings a worldly touch to the cellar, having worked harvests across Australia, Argentina, Chile, the Colchagua Valley and South Africa’s West Coast. His vineyard-focused approach is inspired by cultivars like Chenin Blanc.

A special addition to their portfolio, Romansrivier Grand Reserve Chenin Blanc 2022 is a limited-release wine that reflects place and precision. Aromas of green apple, pear and stone fruit unfold into delicate layers of honeysuckle and white blossom. The palate is bright and textured, with a fine balance of acidity and fruit and a lingering mineral finish. Only the best barrels were selected for the final blend, resulting in a complex Chenin of remarkable character.

Winemaker’s Note: Bright and lively on the palate with a good balance of acidity and fruitiness. A lingering, clean and refreshing finish.
Grapes & Region: Made of Chenin Blanc grapes sourced from the Breedekloof Wine Valley region.
Perfect Pairing: The green fruit aromas make it ideal for pairing with these Lemon Madeleines with White Chocolate Crème Frâiche and Pistachios.
Vibe & Occasion: Nightcaps and dinner parties.
Something Unique: This wine has an ageing potential of 1-3 years.
Serving Tip: Serve chilled.
RSP: R155.99 (1 x 750 ml) | SHOP HERE

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Friesland Berg & See Chenin Blanc 2022

Owned by Cape Wine Master De Bruyn Steenkamp, Friesland Wines is a family-run project rooted in the rich winemaking tradition of Stellenbosch, where hills roll into the sea and cool breezes temper the warmth of the vineyards. Their Berg & See Chenin Blanc forms part of the Terroir Range – a series of wines crafted to reflect their specific vineyard sites. This particular Chenin comes from a dryland bush vine block planted in 1982, perched at a remarkable altitude of 1,000 metres above sea level. It’s an elevated site in every sense, yielding fruit that’s bright, balanced and full of varietal character.

The 2022 vintage is a lightly wooded, medium-bodied Chenin that is fresh and fruit-forward. Aged partly in second-fill French Marsannay barrels and partly unoaked, the wine also spent four months on the lees, adding subtle complexity to its juicy profile. Expect aromas of lemon, melon and pear, with layers of apricot and honey developing over time.

Winemaker’s Note: The wine has a bright straw colour with a green tinge and features beautiful varietal summer fruit characteristics.
Grapes & Region: 100% Chenin Blanc grapes from Stellenbosch bush vines.
Perfect Pairing: It goes well with beetroot and citrus salad with soft cheese, steamed mussels with a creamy sauce, and whole chicken on the fire with root vegetables. Enjoy it with this Succulent Lamb Noisette with Rocket, Beetroot & Citrus Salad.
Vibe & Occasion: Leisurely lunches and al fresco dining occasions.
Something Unique: Enjoy this wine tonight or over the next three years.
Serving Tip: Slightly chilled, allowing the lees’ texture and oak notes to shine.
RSP: R169.99 (1 x 750 ml; 13% ABV) | SHOP HERE